Delhi Civil Society Protests Against Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh

To draw attention towards ongoing atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, the civil society of Delhi, in collaboration with over 200 social and cultural organizations, organized a press conference on 6th Dec, 2024. Also, a march to the Bangladesh Embassy, to protest against the escalating human rights violations faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh will be organised on Tuesday 10th December 2024. The event aimed to draw attention to the violence and persecution targeted at the Hindu community and other minorities, urging both national and international stakeholders to intervene.

The press conference, held at 93, South Avenue, Delhi, brought together distinguished figures from civil society and government. Ambassador Veena Sikri (IFS, Retired High Commissioner to Bangladesh) and Shri Rajiv Jain (IPS, Former Director General of Intelligence Bureau, and Member, NHRC), along with representatives from various organizations, addressed the media. The speakers highlighted the worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh, expressing grave concern over the systemic violence inflicted on minorities.

‘Bangladesh, once a bastion of multi-ethnic and multi-religious coexistence, has seen its Hindu population plummet from 25% in 1977 to a mere 8% today. The political turmoil of August 5, 2024, which led to the overthrow of a constitutionally elected government, has intensified this crisis. Extremist forces have exploited the unrest to perpetrate heinous crimes against minorities, including killings, rapes, torture, arson, and inhumane persecution, especially targeting women and children. The interim government and relevant institutions have been accused of inaction, further emboldening perpetrators and fostering an environment of impunity.

The organizers and participants condemned the atrocities and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address these human rights violations. They demanded the immediate cessation of violence, the enforcement of international human rights conventions, and the release of ISKCON Sanyasi Pujya Shri Chinmay Krishna Das from unjust imprisonment. The speakers also called for global solidarity to protect religious minorities and promote peace and tolerance in Bangladesh.

Civil Society of Delhi and its partner organizations urged immediate intervention to address the human rights violations in Bangladesh. Their demands included:

1. Immediate Protection for Minorities: Enforcement of human rights in line with international conventions and the UN Charter.

2. Ending Genocide: Immediate cessation of targeted violence against Hindus and other minorities.

3. Release of Religious Leaders: Free ISKCON Sanyasi Pujya Shri Chinmay Krishna Das from unjust imprisonment.

4. Global Solidarity: Mobilize international support to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for victims.

5. Promotion of Religious Tolerance: Advocate for harmony and coexistence among all religious communities in Bangladesh.

The participants expressed their solidarity with the victims and called upon the international community to take decisive steps to halt the ongoing atrocities. The civil society representatives reiterated their commitment to advocating for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights for all.